TRADITIONAL DUTCH CLOTHING The iconic pointed and curled hats with long dresses and aprons: this is the stereotypical Dutch girls’ outfit. It’s as typical as the Dutch monarchy, windmills and tulips - yet there’s so much more to it than just this familiar image. There are countless variations on the Dutch traditional costumes that we’re all familiar with, depending on the region, occasion and time of year.
Although traditional Dutch clothing is not often seen in the main Dutch cities, there are communities in the Netherlands where traditional clothing is still worn.Maintaining pristine outfits throughout the years In the present day, we often tend to discard unwanted clothes without a second thought. Not long ago, making clothes and going to specialised tailors was how the Dutch managed to maintain pristine outfits at all times. Whether rich or poor, all levels of society were mending their clothes and making them last. Cloth was almost always reused – a washed-out skirt could later be used as a lining for another garment after it had passed its best days.
Clothing was kept in great condition - women devoted a lot of time to keep their clothes in check, making them last for years. Dutch women made a large number of their clothes themselves and other items were ordered from specialised seamstresses. Girls learned intricate needlework from a very young age and developed the skill over a lifetime. They were valuable skills to have growing up and would set a girl up for future life as a wife and mother, maintaining outfits for all the family.
Traditional outfits from all over the Netherlands There was an exhibition held in 1898 called “National Costumes of Her Majesty’s subjects”, in honour of Queen Wilhelmina on the occasion of her inauguration. Regional costumes from throughout the Netherlands were brought together for the occasion, possibly for the first time ever.
This offered a very clear overview of the variations in style in the different parts of the Netherlands, which were in danger of disappearing even as early as 1898, due to the rise in the availability of cosmopolitan fashions. The traditional clothes stayed on display until 1916 and were then transferred to an open-air museum, although they seem to have been temporarily lost during World War II.
Clothing variations Regional differences can be huge. Volendam is where the most famous pointed white women’s bonnets come from, for instance, whereas in other villages, like Urk, they wear veil-like hats. As well as regional differences, each person was likely to have also had variations for specific reasons.
There were different places and times of the year for wearing particular clothes: there were costume changes for transitional moments, such as birth, baptism, marriage and death. Mourning was also a reason for a distinctive costume, which people wore for a lengthy period after the death of a loved one.
When changing their dress code for specific occasions, the Dutch tended not to change their entire outfit, but rather, they altered some of the outer accessories: women often had rough aprons and outdoor bonnets for work and smarter, more elegant aprons and dressy bonnets for shopping and visiting people. The most elegant Dutch outfits were worn for special occasions such as weddings and for going to church on Sundays.
FOOD
Bitterballen-so you went out for a few drinks. You forgot to eat dinner. Those 8% Belgian beers are beginning to take their toll. What to do? The answer is in the bitterballen. Delicious, deep fried crispy meatballs traditionally served with mustard for dipping – they’re the ultimate in Dutch pub snacks and can be found on the menu at most Amsterdam drinking establishments.
Stroopwafel-If you try one Dutch sweet treat, make it a stroopwafel. Two thin waffles stuck together with a layer of sweet syrup; these delectable delicacies are best enjoyed hot and gooey from a street market or bakery.
Dutch pancakes-unlike the thick and fluffy American variety, Dutch pancakes have a thinner, crepe-like consistency with more surface area for delicious toppings. Order yours laden with fruit, cream and syrup from our picks of the best pancake restaurants in Amsterdam.
Raw herring-it may sound a little scary to the uninitiated, but every visitor to Amsterdam should give it a go. You’ll spot haringhandels (herring carts) serving up this Dutch speciality all over the city - ask for a ‘broodje haring’ to get the fish served in a small sandwich with pickles and onions. The best time to try raw herring is between May and July when the herring is said to be at its sweetest.
Oliebollen-the name literally means ‘oil balls’ - but don’t let that put you off. Essentially they are deep fried sweet dumplings (sometimes containing fruit pieces) and dusted in powdered sugar, and they’re so delicious that they only come out around New Year’s Eve, just before the January diet kicks in.
DANCE
There is great variety in dance in the Netherlands. The traditional dance is the Dutch folk dance; however, this is hardly practiced anymore. Many Dutch practise ballroom dancing, but also tango has a large following.
Many young girls start their dancing career with classical ballet and jazz dance. Only a few dances are invented by the Dutch. Most of the Folk Dances are Scottish in origin. The Dutch are inventors of Hakken, which was mainly danced in the Hardcore techno and Gabber scene in the 1990s. Jumpen, which was invented in Belgium, developed further in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the leading countries in the Brazilian version of zouk (a successor to lambada).
The reality show and competition Dancing with the Stars has popularized Ballroom dancing and the Dutch version of So You Think You Can Dance helps the popularity of modern dance in the Netherlands. Ice dance has been popularised by the TV shows Dancing on Ice and Sterren Dansen Op Het IJs.
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